How to keep a running total and a running balance
A running total adds each new row to the total so far. Build one by copying a formula down, and keep a bank balance the same way.
In this room: 3 tasks, 7 questions
- Add each row to the total above it2 questions. You work out a figure and pick the right answer.
- A SUM with its start locked3 questions. You pick the right answer, work out a figure and find the mistake in a table.
- A running balance for money in and out2 questions. You work out a figure.
A running total shows the total so far on every row. It grows down the column, and its last figure is the total of the whole column.
C2 holds =B2, because the first total so far is just the first figure. C3 holds =C2+B3: the total above it, plus the figure on its own row.
C3 is then copied down. Both references move down a row each time, so every row adds its own figure to the total above it.
| A | B | C | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Day | Sales | Running total |
| 2 | Mon | 312.50 | =B2 |
| 3 | Tue | 198.00 | =C2+B3 |
| 4 | Wed | 240.75 | |
| 5 | Thu | 365.25 | |
| 6 | Fri | 221.50 |
Answer the questions below
1 more question follows in this task.
There is a second way. C2 holds =SUM($B$2:B2), and it is copied down the column.
The start of the range is locked with dollar signs, so it stays on B2. The end has no dollar signs, so it moves down. On each row the range runs from the top of the column to that row.
The last running total must match the total of the whole column, which makes a quick check.
| A | B | C | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Day | Sales | Running total |
| 2 | Mon | 312.50 | =SUM($B$2:B2) |
| 3 | Tue | 198.00 | |
| 4 | Wed | 240.75 | |
| 5 | Thu | 365.25 | |
| 6 | Fri | 221.50 |
Answer the questions below
2 more questions follow in this task.
A bank balance is a running total too. Money in is added and money out is taken off.
D2 holds the opening balance. D3 holds =D2+B3-C3: the balance above, plus what came in, less what went out. It is copied down, and an empty cell counts as 0.
| A | B | C | D | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Detail | In | Out | Balance |
| 2 | Opening balance | 1,200.00 | ||
| 3 | From Quay Dental | 240.00 | =D2+B3-C3 | |
| 4 | Rent | 650.00 | ||
| 5 | From Hollin School | 412.50 | ||
| 6 | Printer ink | 86.40 |
Answer the questions below
1 more question follows in this task.